<p>Hey, I had a couple of question about getting my professor to write a recommendation letter for me. I am applying to GA Tech, U of I Urbana Champaign, and UT Austin for Fall 2011. I am going to get my Physics I and Cal II professors to write my recommendation letters after I make A's in their class this semester. I was wondering how the process works. Do they print it and sign it and give it to me to send to colleges, or will each professor have to write three recommendation letters and send to each college? I was wondering if theres any way I could nicely ask the professor if he could change the letter and perhaps tailor it for my school. For example he could say I always talk about the research going on UT Austin on the letter for that school, and then on the GA Tech one he could write about something else. Keep in mind I am not saying to change the entire letter. I am wondering how to ask them to make the letter specific to the school I am applying to. Thanks.</p>
<p>it depends on how well you know the prof. if you’ve just taken his class and you don’t know them outside of class, then you are pretty much going to get whatever they give you. it will prob be a somewhat generic letter. usually they will either mail the letter directly or hand it to you in a sealed envelope to send with your application.</p>
<p>if you are more than just a good student in their class, when you ask them for a letter, ask them if they mind including a few specific topics (have these ready, like you’d be a great fit for UT b/c XYZ). however, the problem is you are asking these profs to write THREE letters each–that comes off like a major pain for them. so, if i were you, and you don’t have an awesome relationship with them, then I would pick which school you want to ask them to be more specific about. </p>
<p>if you have a great relationship with them, life you’ve done stuff outside of class or been to office hours a lot, then you prob can ask for a little more of their time. </p>
<p>it sounds like you just took their class and got an A though which if that’s the case, is pretty generic. don’t expect too much.</p>
<p>I know the professors very well outside of class, and participate in research with my Physics professor. I was just wondering if I would be asking for too much from him. It just depends on the individual professor though. Thanks!</p>